Ground Water in Texas

Ground water forms an appreciable part of Texas' water resources. Programs of the Texas Water Commission are directed toward overcoming a deficiency of ground-water information for statewide water planning. Quantitative methods used for reconnaissance studies being made of the entire State provide generalized evaluations of ground water available for development within large areas. Detailed county studies define current ground-water conditions, and continuing studies keep abreast of development in selected areas in which ground-water use is large. The various studies, together with a statewide program of basic data collection, provide State, County, City, River Authority, and Water District officials with ground-water information useful in planning water resources development on a more localized basis. Recommendations concerning the extent of surface casing to be installed in oil wells, the approval of wells that are to be used for subsurface disposal of industrial and municipal wastes, and the coordination of studies related to ground-water contamination with the State Water Pollution Control Board are directed toward protecting fresh ground water in the State.